Chitwan, translating to “heart of the jungle” in English, is located in the southwest of Bagmati Province, Nepal. Nestled between the Mahabharat and Siwalik mountain ranges, near the foothills of the Himalayas, it lies in the famous Inner Terai valley. This region, the fifth-largest city in Nepal, is celebrated for its rich diversity of wildlife. Chitwan also holds historical significance, being named in honour of Chitrasen, a former Tharu King who once ruled this area.
The district is particularly well-known for its colorful celebrations, including the Bisket Jatra festival and the Tharu festival of Maghi. Chitwan National Park is the main attraction and the region’s treasure. Chitwan, however, has a vibrant culture and history in addition to its beautiful natural surroundings. Are you looking for the top tourist attractions in Chitwan?
Here’s a list of must-visit attractions in Chitwan:
1. Chitwan National Park
Chitwan National Park was founded in 1973. With a 932 sq/km size, the park is a recognized World Heritage site. The park features include a conservation area for vultures and gharials and an elephant breeding facility. Many visitors to the park also travel to Sauraha to take advantage of the resorts nearby.
Many other temples, including Lami Taal, Bikram Baba, and Tamor Taal, are also within the park’s boundaries. Other well-liked activities include going on an elephant ride and visiting the local forest. Finally, many seek to learn more about the way of life, culture, and dance of regional ethnic groups, including the Tharu, Bate, and Majhi.
2. Jalbire Waterfall (Lamo Jharana)
One of Nepal’s longest waterfalls, Jalbire Waterfall, is roughly 60 meters long. It is well-known as a top-notch and lovely tourist destination. Throughout the summer, more people come here. Locals and other tourists use this cool and mighty waterfall to cool off on a hot summer day. This breathtaking waterfall is a place where everybody can find oneself.
The hills, which are lush and green, the mountains, and the stones where the fall hits all add to the season’s beauty. So if you’re thinking about taking a holiday in Chitwan, don’t forget to stop by the Jalbire waterfall. It is also a well-liked location for visitors seeking canoeing opportunities or homestay experiences with the Gurung population.
Read also: The Best October Getaways in Nepal
3. Chitwan Tharu Village
Want you to become familiar with Tharu customs and culture? Thousands of tourists visit Chitwan Tharu Village each year, making it one of the most well-liked tourist destinations in the country. During the Tharu village visit, we can directly see their language, way of life, culture, festival, customs, marriage ceremonies, etc.
The entire village is comprised of traditional homes. Their primary activity is agriculture, and they also have intimate ties to the natural world and domestic animals. There is also a tour guide here. In the village of the Tharu, there is a tiny museum where the everyday tools and garb worn by the Tharu people are kept.
4. Siraichuli
Visitors have a lot of opportunities to discover all of Chitwan’s hidden beauty in the surrounding locations. The place is essentially covered in wildlife adventures and vast flora. New surprises await to be found and enjoyed at every turn in this paradise. Siraichuli is a famous tourist site because it offers stunning sunrise and sunset views.
It also gives a great view of Mt. Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Chitwan National Park, the Narayani and Rapti rivers, etc. While touring the area around Chitwan, another location that can be added to the list is Chisapanitar. It is also a popular spot for bird watchers with scopes to observe more than a hundred kinds of numerous bird species.
5. Devghat
A well-known religious and cultural destination in Chitwan is Devghat. It is a sacred location for Buddhists and Hindus, filled with temples, hermitages, and ashrams. Devghat, also connected to the Hindu god Vishnu, is thought to have been the location where the gods Rama and Laxman visited during their exile to pray and meditate.
It is also claimed that the Pandavas of the Hindu epic Mahabharata visited this location during their exile. Together with its spiritual value, Devghat is a well-liked holiday spot for those who enjoy the outdoors and the natural world. The location is surrounded by hills and trees and lies at the meeting point of two rivers.
6. Bishazari Tal
Bishazari Tal, located in the Chitwan province, is a well-liked tourist spot. It is not just one lake, but a collection of ponds and smaller lakes tucked away in a wooded environment. The Chitwan National Park Buffer Zone, which encompasses the area surrounding Bishazari Lake, is also home to a variety of flora and species.
The waters and surrounding woodlands at Bishazari Lake are home to over 250 species of birds, including numerous rare and endangered species, making bird viewing a popular pastime there. On the lakes, visitors can go hiking, fishing, and boating. The sounds of animals and birds chirping added to the excitement of the jungle excursion.
7. Elephant Breeding Center
Elephants are, without a doubt, the most graceful animal. During your visit to the Hattisar (Elephant Breeding Center), you will observe elephant meals being prepared and consumed and learn about the elephants’ nature and behaviors. The unique facility has been raising domesticated elephants in captivity since 1985.
The Elephant Breeding Center stands in Sauraha to protect the region’s imperiled elephants. Together with a little museum, there are typically lots of baby elephants here. Depending on the temperature and road conditions, walking from Sauraha to the city center will take around one hour.
8. Crocodile Breeding Center
The crocodile breeding center is one of the most exciting things to do in Chitwan National Park, either as part of the Jeep Safari or on its own. Chitwan National Park is monitoring the endangered program. It’s possible to view the dreadful Mugger Crocodile beside the Crocodile. It lasts about 20 to 30 minutes and is far from the crowd.
Your visit will be noteworthy due to the breathtaking view of crocodiles, which range in size from eggs to giants. The institution has significantly aided in the return of Gharials to the rivers of Nepal. A sizable amount of Gharials were released in the rivers Rapti, Kaligandanki, Narayani, Karnali, Koshi, and Babai between 1981 and 2022.
9. Ranipokhari
Ranipokhari is situated in Chitwan’s Saradanagar. It is the most recent location for tourists and is quickly becoming one of the top attractions in Chitwan. It is one of Chitwan’s newest tourist attractions, spread over four Bigahas in Bharatpur-19, Kirangunj. Beautiful statues, including a statue of Buddha, surround a lovely lake.
Various waterbirds are drawn to the freshwater lake Ranipokhari because of its green rim. It has been transformed into an outdoor sculpture gallery and is well known for picnics. Freshwater lake Ranipokhari is bordered by lush woodland and is home to various aquatic birds. Another draw of this lake is boating.
10. CG Temple Shashwat Dham
When you reside in a busy city like Chitwan, it can be difficult to find a place to relax and breathe fresh air in the peaceful country of Chitwan. Hence, a place like Chaudhary Shaswatdham (CG Temple) is a gift in and of itself. This resemblance of a temple is located in Dhamkaul, Nawalparasi, and is open for leisure and worship.
The lakes surrounding the Dham on all sides provide a stunning perspective of the temple, especially at night. Various colors illuminate the main temple to the extent that they practically outshine the sky during a full moon. On the grounds of the dam, an organic vegetarian cuisine house has been opened to serve all vegetarians.
What is the best time to Visit Chitwan National Park?
Experience the best of Chitwan National Park, ideally visited between late September and May. This timing helps you avoid the heavy monsoon rains that drench the region from mid-June to mid-September, a period accounting for 80% of Nepal’s annual rainfall.
For those seeking pleasant weather, the period from October to early March is perfect, with temperatures averaging a comfortable 25°C. This is the ideal time for those who prefer to avoid extreme weather conditions while exploring the park’s diverse landscapes.
However, if you’re a wildlife enthusiast and don’t mind the heat, consider visiting in April and May. These months mark the end of the dry season, when wildlife is most likely to be spotted around waterholes. Do be prepared for the heat, as temperatures can soar to the mid-40°Cs during this time.
January is noted as the coldest month in Chitwan, with nighttime temperatures sometimes skimming freezing. Despite the chill, this period offers its own unique charm.
From late November until the onset of the monsoon, the area experiences high humidity. However, the months of November, December, and January are known for their good visibility and clear views of the Himalayas. It’s important to note that outside of these months, views can be obscured by haze and pollution from various sources, including traffic, industry, and burning waste.
The Bottom Line
A wide range of things makes Chitwan notable, including the National Park, the Tharu tradition and dance, traditional foods, and religious places. Overall, the Chitwan region is a must-see for travellers visiting Nepal since it offers a unique and diverse choice of activities, ranging from cultural immersion to animal safaris.
Further Reading:
- Nepal’s Best Tourist Places to See in April 2023
- 10 Famous Destinations to Visit in Palpa
- Top 10 Places to See in Kirtipur
- Most Popular Umbrella Streets in Nepal
- Top 5 Places to Visit in Tansen
- 10 Most Famous Hotels in Kathmandu
- Top 10 Destinations to Visit in Dang
- 6 Best Places to See in Baitadi
- Best Time to Visit for Annapurna Base Camp Trek
- Pokhara, Nepal: Watching the Sunrise Over Sarangkot
- Top 13 Destinations to See in Nepal in June 2023
- 10 Most Popular Places to See in Lumbini
